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Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your body, especially your feet. At Orthopedic Specialists, we understand how serious diabetic foot issues can become without proper treatment. Whether you’re dealing with a slow-healing sore or just want to prevent future problems, we’re here to help with expert, compassionate diabetic wound care.
Why Diabetic Foot Problems Are Serious
High blood sugar over time can damage nerves (called neuropathy) and reduce circulation to your feet. This makes it harder to feel injuries and slows down the healing process. A simple blister or cut can turn into a serious foot ulcer or infection if it’s not noticed and treated early.
Common Diabetic Foot Issues
If you have diabetes, you may experience:
- Foot ulcers (open sores that don’t heal easily)
- Calluses and corns
- Dry, cracked skin
- Fungal infections
- Ingrown or thickened toenails
- Foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions
- Numbness or tingling due to nerve damage
You may not feel pain from a wound, which is why daily foot checks are so important.
What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is a slow-healing open wound, often found on the bottom of the foot. They can result from pressure, irritation from shoes, or unnoticed injuries. If left untreated, ulcers can become infected and may lead to serious complications, even amputation. But with the right care, many ulcers are treatable and preventable.
Why Wound Healing Is Slower with Diabetes
Several factors affect wound healing in people with diabetes:
- Poor circulation: Reduces oxygen and nutrients needed for healing
- Nerve damage: Prevents you from noticing injuries early
- Weakened immune system: Makes infections more likely
- Foot shape changes: Cause pressure spots
- Dry skin: Leads to cracks where bacteria can enter
Because of this, diabetic wounds need specialized care to heal properly.
How We Treat Diabetic Foot Wounds
At Orthopedic Specialists, our podiatrist, Dr. Nathan Hensley, DPM, and his expert orthopedic team provide personalized, advanced care. Your treatment plan may include:
1. Off-Loading
We reduce pressure on the wound using:
- Special shoes
- Custom inserts
- Casts or braces
- Wheelchairs or crutches (in some cases)
2. Wound Cleaning & Dressings
We use medical-grade dressings and ointments that:
- Keep wounds moist and clean
- Promote faster healing
- Prevent infection
We avoid outdated methods like hydrogen peroxide and airing out wounds, which can delay healing.
3. Debridement
Removing dead or infected tissue helps your body heal faster. This is done gently and safely by our trained providers.
4. Infection Control
If we suspect infection, we take a wound culture to determine the right antibiotics. We also monitor closely for any signs of worsening.
5. Circulation Monitoring
We may order tests, such as ultrasound or noninvasive vascular studies, to check for blood flow problems that affect healing.
6. Surgical Treatment (if needed)
For some patients, minor surgery can help by removing pressure points or correcting foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes.
Advanced Wound Care Options
Depending on your wound, we may recommend:
- Foam or alginate dressings to manage drainage
- Hydrogel dressings to keep wounds moist
- Skin substitutes or growth factors to promote healing
Prevention Is Key
The best way to avoid diabetic foot wounds is through daily care and regular checkups.
Daily Foot Care Tips
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, swelling, or color changes
- Wash and moisturize your feet daily
- Trim nails carefully, straight across, and not too short
- Never walk barefoot, even indoors
- Wear well-fitting shoes designed for diabetic feet
See Your Doctor Regularly
- Get a full foot exam at least once a year—more often if you have neuropathy or past wounds
- Ask your doctor about your circulation and nerve health
- Let your care team know about any new wounds, even if they seem small
Nutrition and Blood Sugar Control
Healing starts from the inside out. Maintaining good blood sugar control and eating a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals supports your body’s ability to heal. Our team may recommend supplements or refer you to a dietitian for extra help.
When to Call a Specialist
Call us right away if you notice:
- A wound that isn’t healing in 2–4 weeks
- Redness, swelling, odor, or drainage
- Increased pain, even if it’s mild
- Fever or chills (possible infection)
- Any injury to your foot, especially if you can’t feel it well
Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Care Appointment
Your feet deserve expert care, and that’s exactly what we provide at Orthopedic Specialists. Whether you need help healing a wound or want to avoid one altogether, we’re here with compassionate care and advanced solutions. Call us today or request an appointment online to get started. Don’t wait—early treatment can save your foot and protect your health.
